Cannes, France – The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival recently witnessed the grand unveiling of the first look of “Love in Vietnam,” marking the production debut of director Omung Kumar. This cinematic endeavor represents a monumental collaboration between India and Vietnam, featuring notable talents such as Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur, and renowned Vietnamese actress Kha Ngan.
In a display of elation and pride, Avneet Kaur took to Instagram to share the first glimpse of the film with her followers. “Proud to launch the first look of ‘#LoveInVietnam’ at Cannes! This is the first India-Vietnam collaboration and I couldn’t be happier sharing this with you all,” she wrote, capturing the essence of this groundbreaking international partnership.
Directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi and inspired by the celebrated bestseller “Madonna in a Fur Coat,” “Love in Vietnam” promises to be a compelling cinematic offering. The unveiling event at Cannes was graced by the presence of Shantanu Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur, director Rahhat Shah Kazmi, producer Captain Rahul Bali, and co-producers Tariq Khan and Zeba Sajid. This collaborative venture is fortified by the support of the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Mumbai, and Vietnam Airlines.
Coinciding with this cinematic celebration, the first-ever Bharat Parva was organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). This event, held under the aegis of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, sought to showcase the vibrancy of Indian culture, cuisine, and cinema on a global platform at the French Riviera. Attended by over 250 delegates, the evening was an amalgamation of exceptional performances and an exquisite array of fusion cuisine.
Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Ambassador of India to France, Jawed Ashraf, took center stage at the inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion on May 15. Esteemed dignitaries such as Tholoana Rose Ncheke, Chairperson of the National Film and Video Foundation (South Africa), Christian Jeune, Director of Films Department, and filmmaker Richie Mehta were also in attendance.
The Bharat Pavilion, a staple at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, symbolizes India’s steadfast commitment to highlighting its rich cinematic heritage and encouraging international collaborations. Organized by NFDC in association with FICCI, this year’s pavilion features representation from states and Union Territories such as Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, among others, showcasing their presence at the Cannes Film Market.
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The Bharat Parva event was marked by the unveiling of posters for the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and a save-the-date poster for the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES). The event emphasized the confluence of Indian cultural elements and cinema, setting a vibrant atmosphere that captivated the attending delegates.
Reflecting on the success of Bharat Parva, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released a statement highlighting the seamless integration of Indian culture, cuisine, and cinema and its reception by the global audience. The confluence of tradition and modernity through performances and culinary delights underscored India’s rich and multifaceted heritage.
In line with these celebrations, “Love in Vietnam” stands as a testament to the growing dynamism of international film collaborations. The movie, woven from the threads of “Madonna in a Fur Coat,” is poised to bring forth a narrative that bridges cultures, auguring well for the participating artists and their respective film industries.
Avneet Kaur’s heartfelt announcement on social media drew considerable attention, underscoring the significance of this first-ever cinematic venture between India and Vietnam. Her association with the project, along with the involvement of other acclaimed talents, promises a fusion of artistic excellence.
As the curtains rose on “Love in Vietnam” at Cannes, the collective efforts of its creators, backed by diplomatic and corporate entities, truly exemplify the essence of cross-cultural storytelling. The event not only celebrated the film’s debut but also highlighted the broader narrative of cultural exchange and artistic unity.
The Bharat Pavilion, spearheaded by the National Film Development Corporation and FICCI, continues to be a focal point at Cannes, underlining India’s dedication to global cinematic dialogues. This year’s representation from diverse Indian states/UTs further solidifies the country’s position as a vibrant participant in the global film market, fostering invaluable exchanges and partnerships.
In conclusion, the Cannes Film Festival 2024 stands as a significant milestone for “Love in Vietnam” and the Bharat Pavilion, showcasing the enduring power of cinematic collaboration and the fusion of cultural narratives. The presence of Indian cinema on this esteemed platform reiterates India’s evolving cinematic ethos and its quest for global artistic synergy.
